Speculum



Jan. 17,1933.

J. B. BACON SPECULUM Filed May 26. 1932 Patented Jan. 17, 1933 PATENT OFFICE JOSEPH B. BACON, OF MACOMB, ILLINOIS SPECULUM Application filed May 26,

This invention relates to improvements in a speculum or similar devices for dilating the canals and cavities of the human body to facilitate examination of their interiors.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, I have here shown the same embodled in a vaginal speculum, the same sometimes be ing referred to as a duck-billed type. Among the features of my invention is the provision of such a device with means for holding, looking or retaining the same in open position. The device is so constructed that after the aws have been opened, the same may be locked in such position by a very slight and easy manipulation with the fingers engaging the speculum. The jaws may also easily be released to permit removal of the instrument.

Other features and advantages of my invention will appear more fully as I proceed With my specification.

In that form of device embodying the features of my invention shown in the accompanying drawing- Figure 1 is a view in side elevation showing the jaws closed; Fig. 2 is a similar v ew showing the jaws open; and Fig. 3 is a view taken as indicated by the line 8 of Fig. 2.

As shown in the drawing, the device includes an upper jaw 10 with its handle 10 and a lower jaw 11 with its handle 11 The jaws are pivotally attached to permit relative sliding movement of the jaws and handles. This is accomplished by providing the jaw 10 with the pin 12 embraced in the slot 13 in the lower jaw, the pin being provided with a suitable head. The slot 13 is provided with a re-entrant opening 13 lVhen the speculum is entirely closed, as shown in Fig. 1, the jaw 10 may be moved forwardly and the pin 12 released from the slot 13 through the slot 13 to take the instrument apart.

The handle 10 is provided with a notched segment 14, the notches thereof being indicated by 141*. This segment extends through 1932. Serial No. 613,715.

a slot 11 in the handle 11*. In this slot is arranged a locking or retaining pin 15 adapted to be engaged in the notches 14, as shown in Fig. 2, to hold the aws in open position.

In the operation of the device, the jaws when closed are preferably in the position shown in Fig. 1 so that the pin 15 does not engage any of the notches l l The jaws may then be opened to the desired extent, whereupon the means for holding the jaws in said open position are operated by said sliding movement of the jaws above referred to. That is, the jaw 10 is slid forwardly, as shown in Fig. :2, until the pin 15 engages the corresponding notch 14 in the segment 14. This sliding movement of the jaws is permitted by sliding'of the pivot pin 12 in the slot 13 and may easily be accomplished by manipulation of the operators fingers which are holding the speculum. It will be seen that the sliding movement of the jaws readily efiects engagement or disengagement of the pin 15 in one of the notches 14 l/Vhile I have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the claims, in which it is my intent-ion to claim all novelty inherent in my invention as broadly as permissible, in View of the prior art.

What I regard as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A speculum of the character described including two jaws with handles, pivotally attached together to permit relative sliding movement of said aws and handles with respect to each other, a notched segment carried by one handle, and a pin carried by the other handle adapted to be engaged in the notches in said segment or released therefrom by said relative sliding movement.

2. A speculum of the character described including two jaws with handles, pivotally attached together to permit relative sliding movement of said jaws and handles with respect to each other, and means for locking the jaws in Espen position, said locking means adapted to be engagedand disengaged by said sliding movement. 1

,ln witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 14th day of May, 1932. JOSEPH B. BACON. 

